Re: [pct-l] Tyvek - has anyone used?

[David Ferguson <david@fergi.com>]

We used regular house-wrap Tyvek from a friend's construction site for a
ground cloth for the entire PCT in '97.  It started to wear through (little
pinprick holes) after about 100 days.  However, it performed wonderfully ... I
specifically remember a time when we (mistakenly!) pitched our tent in a
little depression and then got whalloped by a drenching cloudburst ... within
minutes our tent was floating on this little pond and any body part aimed down
was frozen by the water even through the tyvek, tent bottom, z-rest pad, and
sleeping bag, so I know there was a bunch of water there, but amazingly it all
stayed dry.  The next morning after picking up the tent the top of the tyvek
was perfectly dry while the bottom was soaked and still sitting in the mud.

I don't think the material tears easily, but just in case we sewed a border
around the outside and we never had any tears.  Also, without actually
weighing it, my gut feeling was that it was quite a bit lighter than other
ground cloths I've used.  One other thing ... it is noisy (but that goes away
as soon as you're lying on it holding it in place!).

David Ferguson (of Dave & Jen)
PCT '97

Rebecca Williams wrote:

> has anyone out there actually used tyvek for a ground cloth?
>
> for raingear?
> for tarp?
> for any other camping/backpacking uses?
>
> just wondering so that I can find out specifications on
> which exact tyvek matereial they used. i.e. model number,
> type,
> and/or thinkness.
>
> thanks,
> -rebecca
>
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